COLOMBO – Sri Lanka has witnessed a higher number of complaints on misuse of public premises in election-related abuse of state resources, an election monitor said.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), an election monitor on corruption and campaign financing, said it had received 758 complaints concerning the misuse of public resources for election campaigning through September 11.
“The largest category of complaints – 343 in total – pertains to the misuse of public premises. These include the misuse of public grounds, government offices, buildings, and schools for election campaigns,” the TISL said in a statement.
It said the complaints include non-payment for such premises and reservation for one candidate or political party for extended periods or adorning the premises with posters and cut-outs in violation of election laws.
Apart from the misuse of public premises, the TISL has also received complaints over the misuse of public officers and their skills, knowledge, and working hours for political propaganda (117 complaints).
“TISL has received reports with evidence indicating that public officers, including senior officials with limited political rights, have been actively campaigning for political parties or candidates,” the statement noted, adding that the activities have taken place both in person and on social media, in violation of election laws.”
The complaints also include the distribution of food, money, and other subsidies for voters, misuse of state vehicles, manipulation of state-sponsored development projects and the distribution of livelihood grants and allowances for campaigning, as well as promotion, demotion, or transfer of public officials during the election period.
The TISL has also received complaints related to the misuse of public funds for political activities, and abuse of government positions or power.
Sri Lanka’s Election Commission has received 3.828 complaints on election law violations and had already solved 3,190, the official data showed.
-economynext.com
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